2-Bromopropionic Acid: Product Description, Properties, and Safety Overview

What is 2-Bromopropionic Acid?

2-Bromopropionic acid stands as a key organic compound used across research, manufacturing, and specialty chemical industries. Its molecular formula is C₃H₅BrO₂, and it features a carboxylic acid group with a bromine atom attached to the second carbon in the propane chain. As a halogenated carboxylic acid, this material comes with a distinctive set of chemical and physical traits that drive its value as a raw material in synthesis, especially within libraries of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and intermediates. Chemists and industry professionals rely on the precise reactivity of its bromo group and the polar character from the carboxyl functionality.

Structure and Molecular Properties

2-Bromopropionic acid presents itself through a simple but functionally potent structure. The molecule features a bromine atom bonded to the middle carbon of a three-carbon backbone, ending in a carboxylic acid group, giving it the IUPAC name 2-bromopropanoic acid. Its molar mass is approximately 152.98 g/mol. The presence of both bromine and carboxyl means the molecule bridges two chemical worlds: halogen-organics and conventional acids, offering nucleophilic and electrophilic reactivity in the same structure. Looking deeper, the chemical structure shapes how the material interacts with solvents, reacts in esterification, participates in alkylation or acid catalysis, and serves as a handle for further transformation.

Physical Specifications: Density, Form, and Handling Characteristics

Material suppliers ship 2-bromopropionic acid in a range of forms, including solid flakes, crystalline powders, and sometimes as a viscous liquid depending on purity and temperature. Pure samples often appear as white to off-white crystals, with a melting point near 49–53°C and a boiling point close to 198°C (at atmospheric pressure). The density averages about 1.6 g/mL at room temperature. Many chemists, myself included, prefer to handle this material in its solid crystalline form, as it streamlines weighing and dosing into solutions. The acid dissolves well in polar solvents—think water, ethanol, or acetone—with its solubility supporting both aqueous and nonaqueous synthetic work.

HS Code and Regulatory Identification

On the supply chain and regulatory front, 2-bromopropionic acid travels under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 29159000, which covers other saturated acyclic carboxylic acids and their derivatives. This code ensures regulatory compliance across borders and lays the groundwork for proper documentation and tariffs. Laboratories and logistics teams tracking raw material shipments depend on this identifier for traceability, import/export documentation, and customs coordination.

Safety, Hazards, and Environmental Impact

Working with 2-bromopropionic acid requires a full understanding of its safety profile, as outlined by global hazard communication standards. The bromine atom in the molecule contributes to its potential as an irritant and, in doses or spills, a harmful chemical. Direct skin or eye contact can cause burns or irritation; inhalation of dust or vapors may harm the respiratory tract. As with many halogenated acids, 2-bromopropionic acid does not mix well with strong bases or oxidizers, and even modest exposure to moisture can boost its corrosiveness. In my own laboratory practice, strict use of gloves, goggles, and a fume hood stands as a baseline precaution. Disposal of any unused portions or spills should comply with hazardous chemical waste protocols, as environmental release could affect aquatic life and trigger local pollution controls. On the safe handling front, the acid travels in tightly sealed jars or drums, often further secured in secondary containment or spill-proof bins. Proper ventilation and clear hazard markings help protect workplace safety and public health alike.

Applications and Benefits in Industry

Synthetic organic chemists and manufacturers turn to 2-bromopropionic acid as a building block for diverse organic transformations. The molecule serves as a stepping stone to amino acid synthesis, chiral auxiliaries, and as an intermediate for pharmaceutical actives and agrochemical compounds. The bromo group’s reactivity allows for nucleophilic substitution or coupling reactions, broadening the toolkit available in advanced chemical research. I've seen colleagues rely on this intermediate for the preparation of prodrugs, as its structure enables controlled introduction of chiral centers and side chains through selective reactions. Laboratories working with isotopic or labeled derivatives value the acid’s versatility for radio-pharmaceutical preparations and analytical standards. Its dense, easily crystallized form speeds up isolation or recrystallization, which is crucial when building high-purity libraries for further downstream processing.

Challenges and Solutions for Storage and Transport

Storing and transporting 2-bromopropionic acid requires a focus on both stability and safety. The acid remains sensitive to moisture and heat; exposure may degrade purity and lead to the formation of hydrolysis byproducts. Suppliers who prioritize packaging integrity—airtight, moisture-resistant containers—help minimize risks of degradation and accidental exposure. Secondary labeling, updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and training for transportation workers all serve as critical points of defense. My experience has shown that dedicated chemical storerooms, climate control, and regular inventory checks keep stocks usable and compliant, preventing safety lapses and costly waste. Keeping careful records throughout the supply chain aids risk management and improves recall procedures if any incident arises.

Key Takeaways: Quality, Responsibility, and Next Steps

Quality assurance for 2-bromopropionic acid depends on rigorous purity tests, verified batch certifications, and transparent sourcing. End users in pharmaceuticals and specialty materials count on complete transparency, preferring lots tested via NMR or titration to confirm structure and composition. Responsible stakeholders—producers, packagers, distributors—hold the line when it comes to occupational safety, environmental stewardship, and reporting any incidents or nonconformance. For companies considering adoption or scale-up, continuous improvement for waste handling, spill containment, and worker education directly supports sustainable growth and legal compliance. In a market driven by both innovation and oversight, a frank assessment of raw material choice and process safety sets the tone for future success.